A once in a lifetime trip to Italy - that was one reason Heidi wanted to lose weight. To reach this goal she joined IHM and four and a half years later she is maintaining a 75 pound weight loss! We asked Heidi to share some of her weight maintenance tips.

What healthy eating strategies do you use?

I read all food labels. I read the nutritional content, including the number of servings per package, and decide if the total calories fit into my calorie budget. If not, I don't buy it!

Planning is important! I plan my meals for the following day at the end of each day. I complete all preparation before the kitchen closes each evening. For work, I take and consume only the food on my meal plan for the day. This makes me totally self cointained.

And, I record everything I consume in my record book daily, and transfer the totals to my weekly summary sheet ~ every day.

How do you stay on track with your Physical activity (PA) goals?

I try to complete my PA early in the day. The PA is scheduled on my calendar so that no other commitment interferes. To add some variety, I signed up for a jazzercise and group cycling classes.

How do you handle "problem foods"?

I try to keep "problem foods" out of my environment. I found this is difficult, as I live with a spouse who snacks on high calorie foods. But, I solved this by purchasing him a small refrigerator for the garage where his "junk food" can be stored (out of sight, out of reach). The "junk food" that is pantry food has a specific shelf in the pantry and is hidden behind my "before & after" weight picture as a constant reminder "not to go there..!"

What other strategies do you use to achieve your weight maintenance goals?

I continue to attend my weight maintenance classes every week, check in with my Health Educator midweek, and use these sources to keep me accountable.

I also have a support group comprised of my Mom, Frances (also actively pursuing weight maintenance), my Health Educator, and close friends who keep me focused on the weight loss being maintained.


Return to Heidi's success story...

*Always consult your physician before beginning any diet and exercise program.